"To think we almost missed this."
"I don't want to think about it. Ever. My future was always to end up here with you. There was no alternative."
She laughed. "It would have been so easy, though. If you hadn't dated my roommate. If I hadn't spilled Coke on you at that party. If we'd moved to separate cities after college. If Veronica had stayed … "
He grinned. "You've got it wrong, sweetheart. If I hadn't dated your friend, I would have noticed you sooner. If you hadn't spilled that drink on me, we'd have met at the chip table or the dance floor. If you'd moved away, I would have followed and grown my company in a different city. And if Veronica hadn't left, I still would only have had eyes for you. You've been the only one for me since we were kids playing at being adults. It just took us a long time to wise up and figure that out."
"Says the genius."
"You're my emotional translator. What took you so long?"
"My mistake," she teased.
"But you never make mistakes," he teased.
"Walker," she protested.
He touched his forehead to hers. "You're it for me, Clara. Just you."
"It works the other way, too, you know," she whispered. "You're all I'll ever need. You and the kids."
"Then looks like we're a happy, conventional family. How did that happen?"
"Well," she said. "Not too conventional I hope."
"No," he agreed. He leaned closer and whispered into her ear. "There are a few nonconventional ideas I'd love to try out."
She hissed a breath, her fingers curling in his shirt. "We have to go meet Veronica. Our five minutes are almost up."
"Oh, I know," he replied. "I just thought I'd give you a taste of what I want to do tonight."
"Barring any nightmares, or baby screams, or-"
"Yes. Barring all that, you're mine."
Running her fingers along his jaw, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I'm always yours," she whispered. "Forever."
"Forever," he promised.
Taking her hand in his, they headed for the door and their waiting children.
And Clara couldn't think of anywhere she'd rather be.